In recurve men, Mete Gazoz, the world number five and highest-ranked archer in the draw, qualified second with 678 as he continues his pursuit of a first Conquest Cup title.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion was edged to the top seed by 19-year-old Choi Chuljun of Korea, who posted 680 – a remarkable result for an archer ranked 775th in the world and silver medallist in recurve under-18 men at the 2023 World Archery Youth Championships in Limerick.
Viacheslav Osipov sits third with 676, while Turkish archer Abdullah Yildirmis is fourth with 675. Italian pair Matteo Borsani and two-time Olympic silver medallist Mauro Nespoli are tied on 673 in fifth and sixth.
Korea’s Yu Seulha topped the recurve women’s field with 671, edging Roberta Di Francesco of Italy – the world number 18 and highest-ranked woman in the draw – on X-count, 13-10, after the pair finished level.
The 18-year-old Yu, who won team gold in recurve under-18 women in Limerick, heads into the eliminations as the archer to beat. Defending champion Elif Gokkir and fellow Turkish archer Dunya Yenihayat sit third and fourth with 664 and 663, respectively.
Competition continues on Friday with team eliminations and finals.
